Wow... what can I say? What a tremendous outpouring of generosity from all of those that came to this reception, and from those that couldn't attend. I only hope that you had as good a time as I did.

Starbuck's was very gracious to open this up for my reception, and went so far as to provide free refreshments! Jill, the manager at this Starbuck's is fantastic and a real supporter of local artists. If you are ever in this Starbuck's please ask for her, tell her I sent you, and say "Thanks for supporting local Austin artists!" She rocks! She breaks the mold of what you would think of a corporate giant like Starbuck's!

I never thought that the outcome would be that I come away inspired by those that of you that came out. You gave me new ideas, new ways to think about this essay, and new inspiration to continue.

So, in closing here: I'd like to especially send a shout-out to Frank Brinsley, http://www.flickr.com/photos/fbrinsley/, a flickr contact that I have been in touch with for over two years. This was our first face-to-face meeting and he drove from Tucson, Arizona for this reception. Thanks for making the trip.

And to Julie Akers, www.flickr.com/photos/i5prof my wife, that put up with my obsessiveness of this reception leading up to it. I wouldn't have done this without your pushing and prodding. You are a true love and inspiration! Thank you!

Thank you for coming and hope you had a great time, and we can do this again in the not too distant future.

Great show, Gary. And thanks for using my photos, too. One complaint: No mention of the raucous standing ovation you got. That's something very rare for a visual artist, if commonplace for performers. I was amazed, as I suspect you were, too.

thanks for the shout out gary! i had an absolute blast! your work is inspiring and i had so much fun visiting you and your wife... i think i have a few shots of that raucous standing o when i get my film processed...